50 Words or Less
The Ben Hogan PTx irons are a slightly more game improvement-type iron from the new Ben Hogan Golf company. Great look. Solid feel.
Introduction
Last year, the new Ben Hogan Golf introduced itself with a bang. The Ft Worth 15 irons were universally praised and the TK 15 wedges carried forward Terry Koehler’s SCOR Golf innovations. This year, they’re building up their lineup with the PTx irons, a club designed to offer more forgiveness.
Looks
The Ben Hogan PTx irons look great. I was expecting them to be a little clunky based on the language in their press releases, however they’re anything but. They have thin top lines and minimal offset. Compared to the Ft Worth 15 irons, yes, they’re thicker and have more offset, but in a broader context this still looks like a players iron. That appearance carries around to the simple, classy branding on the back of the club.
Sound & Feel
While they fall short of the sensational feel of the Ft Worth 15 irons, the PTx irons feel quite good in their own right. There’s a crisp click at contact that’s a little softer on the center, a little firmer on mishits. This change in sound and feel will be an ample cue for the better player seeking feedback on their strike.
Performance
When a club looks as good as the Ben Hogan PTx iron you don’t expect much forgiveness, so any forgiveness you get feels like a bonus. In my testing, I found that the PTx does a reasonable job of elevating thin shots and getting mishits to the target, but they’re still irons for the better player. Adding to the “for players only” appeal is the fact that the distances are only average. In fairness, it’s hard for them to be considered super long because they stamp actual lofts on the sole as opposed to stamping the number “7” on a 5 iron.
The stamped lofts are a source of either intrigue or frustration, depending on the golfer. To me, it’s one of the best parts of the new Hogan clubs. Rather than simply ordering 3-PW, golfers get to pick the exact lofts of the clubs they want. This is done through the HoganFit process, a simple online questionnaire. Of course you can also be fit for your Hogans in person with an authorized Ben Hogan Golf fitter.
Conclusion
The Ft Worth 15 irons created some rather large shoes for the PTx irons to walk in, but they do an admirable job. While I don’t think the performance is as amazing as the Ft Worth 15 relative to their look, they are a very solid players/GI iron that is definitely worth a test drive.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Matt,
One does not get to pick the exact lofts of the clubs but the ball flight one wants. The decision is made for them by the company based on desired ball flight. I feel this aspect needs to be made clear so consumers are aware of the facts and do not feel disappointed when they do try to order a set.
Thank you for another wonderful review.
Regards,
Amit
Amit,
Yes, there are “pre-made sets” based on desired ball flight, but if you have a set idea about the lofts you want, you can certainly order them.
-Matt
You can definitely order the exact lofts you want. I have even seen different sets of irons with different lofts stamped on the soles. For example, one set may have a 34* 7-iron and someone else have a 33* 7-iron because they ordered their set either with weaker or stronger lofts though out the set.
How would you compare these irons to the Callaway CF-16 for a 13 handicapper?
Wally,
I don’t like making comparisons without head to head testing. I’d recommend trying both and getting a fitting.
-Matt
I guess I phrased my question wrong. I will get fit for the clubs that I buy, but from a players perspective, are these geared more toward the single digit player more so than the CF-16 or are they about equal?
Wally,
I think they can both work for the right single digit player.
-Matt
Matt, are they much more forgiving than the Ft. Worths? Or just a little?
Would you take the Callaway Apex Pros over the Ptx?
Thanks
Jason,
The difference is not huge, but it’s there.
I prefer the Apex Pros because, as a hooker, I dislike offset.
-Matt
Matt do they make a set of forgiveness clubs without a lot of offset?
Robin,
There are only two sets right now, the PTx and the Ft Worth 15.
Best,
Matt
Thank you Matt big fan of your work
Hi Matt,
Just wondering if you also hit the Hogan FT Worth 15 Hi irons and what your opinion of them was?
I have FT Worth 15 irons and was considering getting some FT Worth 15 Hi to replace the long irons (21 degree, 25 and maybe even a 29 degree but 29 may be pushing it a bit, however if they feel anywhere as good as FT Worth 15 I would consider it) . My only concern is they are hollow forged irons and therefore may not be as solid have the feel of the FT Worth 15.
There is no where in the UK where I can test these so just wondering what your thoughts on them were? I love my FT Worth 15 but they can on occasion be a bit more demanding in the long irons hence my interest in the FT Worth 15 Hi. I play 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53 and 57 in the FT Worth 15 with Nventix Nunchuk XI shafts.
Would the PTX be a good club to blend in with my FT Worth 15? Again no where in the UK to test them. I have heard people say that the PTX is like a better feeling Titleist 716 AP2 would that be an accurate comparison to make?
Many Thanks
Kind Regards
Jon
Jon,
I have not hit the Ft Worth 15 HI.
I do think the PTx is noticeably easer to hit than the Ft Worth 15 and could make for a nice combo set. As far as the comparison with the AP2, that seems right, but I don’t have any head-to-head testing data to back that up.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Extremely disappointed. I called asking about why the TK wedges have so few loft options in the drop down box on the Ben Hogan web site -(you may have already seen this). I want to put the new 2019 Fort Worth’s in my bag and have a seamless set of clubs through to the wedges. Can’t do it. I called and they said the wedges may not be there next season. They may focus only on the Equalizer wedges. Don’t know if this 100% true or someone answering the phone in the factory can’t say what they are really going to release for the spring of 2020. Please give me your thoughts on this.
Paul,
Unfortunately I don’t think I can tell you anything you don’t already know. It is unfortunate that they’re phasing out the TK Wedges, they’re quite good. Have you tried the Equalizer?
Best,
Matt
Matt,
No, haven’t even considered the Equalizers. I have Cleveland wedges ( 50-54-60) and the only way I was going to leave these out of the bag is if I could have streamlined the Fort Worth’s with these TK wedges. I guess for the first time in 45 years, I’m going to play a mixed bag of irons. I’ve never done this but I know it’s common.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Paul
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I saw a set of these irons with the numbers stamped on the hosel. The loft was on the toe of the club. Is this how these irons are furnished?
Daniel,
When Ben Hogan first came back, they were very set on the idea of putting lofts on the clubs instead of the iron number. Over time, I think they have given up that fight a bit, but I think some clubs may have both. I’m not certain which models are marked which way.
Best,
Matt